Gold Enamel Memento Mori Pendant, c.1660, Source - The Victoria and Albert Museum This could either be interpreted as a morbid and foreboding symbol of death always waiting, or as a romantic piece of early mourning jewellery. DIH” which today translates “Here I lie and wait for you”. This pendant has the German inscription “HIE. It is believed that this pendant was a crafted in 1660. Torre Abbey Jewel, c.1540-1550, Source - The Victoria and Albert MuseumĪnother striking Memento Mori pendant, this piece has an incredible bone studded structure interlinked with the Gold chain. It was believed that this pendant was found in the grounds of Torre Abbey in Devon, which alludes to the dark history of the dissolution of the monasteries, a time in Tudor history where Henry VIII ordered all of the monasteries to be pillaged. This phrase tells us not to fear death and that when Christ comes again, all of our sufferings will be worth it. This pendant has the inscription “Through the Resurrection of Christ, We Will Be Sanctified”, a classic Memento Mori symbol. This pendant is believed to have been crafted between 1540-1550 and was part of the V&A’s first preliminary collections, bought in 1856 for £21 (today that would be £1,600). Our favourite historic Memento Mori pieces They were not only a statement of a person’s philosophical beliefs but also of how they aspired to be better and how they wanted to be shown within society.Įnamel Gold Ruby Skull Ring, c.1550-75, Source - The Victoria and Albert Museum Many of these symbols are instantly recognisable today, so we may underestimate how much of a statement it was to wear these jewels and symbols at the time. Stunning surviving relics show detailed black and white Enamel, with crosses, skulls, gemstones and latin inscriptions. In jewellery, the most common form of Memento Mori was rings, yet you can also find Memento Mori rosaries and pendants. The Ambassadors, Hans Holbein the Younger, c.1533, Source - Wikimedia Commons Each symbol was a poignant reminder of how short life is. In other artistic decorations Memento Mori took the forms of wilted flowers, skulls, angels, worms, graves, clocks and bats. One of the most famous 16th century paintings that clearly displays Memento Mori is Hans Holbein’s “The Ambassadors” where a large anamorphic skull protrudes across the canvas. With this in mind, Memento Mori was present in virtually everything, from gravestone designs to architecture, illustrated manuscripts and furnishings. Memento Mori was utilised by both the Roman Catholic and the Protestant church, as well as also being included within secular humanist beliefs too. The Roman Catholic church, in particular, was at the centre of provincial life. The 14th to 16th century was heavily indoctrinated with Christianity. People actually WANTED to be reminded of death, as it will help them treasure their life and improve and dedicate their service to God. Memento Mori was inherently moralising, rather than to scare or place fear in the hearts of people’s minds. Portrait of a Man (Memento Mori), Andrea Previtali, c.1470-1528, Source - Wikimedia Commons Whether from plague, famine or war, the average life expectancy for someone in the 14th century was roughly only 33 years. Now, to the modern eye, it sounds very morbid, why would you want to always be reminded of death? But in the 14th century, death was everywhere, so it was a far more common occurrence, and there was less anxiety surrounding it. “Memento Mori” is the latin inscription for “Remember You Must Die”.įirst appearing in the 14th century, Memento mori was an artistic and symbolic reminder of the inevitably of death. Memento mori jewellery is possibly the most Gothic, Halloween-esque jewellery we could think of to celebrate the spookiest day of the year! Let’s find out! What Is Memento Mori Jewellery? Yet, unlike the Victorian’s mourning jewellery, memento mori was slightly different. In fact, these actually evolved into the 18th and 19th century mourning jewellery that we know and love. Characterised by their striking skulls and moralistic messages, Memento Mori was worn by aristocrats, priests and royalty. Memento Mori was a style of mourning jewellery that was very popular between the 14th and 17th centuries. Gold Signet Memento Mori Ring, Inscribed "MEMENTO MORI", c.1600-1700, Source - The Victoria and Albert Museum Today, we're dedicating our attention to the most spooktacular type of jewellery there is: Memento Mori. We can’t believe it’s the end of our 2020 Halloween series already!
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